EU’s Lahbib calls eastern DR Congo crisis ‘catastrophic’ during rare visit to rebel-held Goma

European Union Commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, has described the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as “catastrophic”, warning of escalating violations of international humanitarian law amid ongoing fighting. Lahbib — the European Commission’s Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management — visited Goma on Friday as part of a tour of the Great Lakes region, according to a report by Africanews on Sunday. Her trip marked the first time an EU delegation had travelled to Goma since the city fell under the control of M23/AFCrebels following a rapid offensive in January 2025.

During the visit, Lahbib toured hospitals, met local officials and urged greater global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis. “There are increasing and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law,” she warned. Before travelling to Goma, Lahbib held talks in Kinshasa with Félix Tshisekedi and later met Paul Kagame in Kigali, amid heightened regional tensions over the conflict.

In Goma, she also met representatives of the M23/AFC movement and said there were indications the group may be open to dialogue. “There are signs they want to move forwards — towards dialogue, peace, and a ceasefire,” she said. Her comments followed reports that M23 fighters had agreed to release prisoners taken from the Wazalendo militia and the Congolese armed forces during recent clashes.

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The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late 2024, displacing hundreds of thousands and sparking fears of a broader regional escalation. The EU has repeatedly called for restraint, protection of civilians and respect for international law. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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